The 12 Steps of Recovery

Step 9

MADE DIRECT AMENDS TO SUCH PEOPLE WHEREVER POSSIBLE, EXCEPT WHEN
TO DO SO WOULD INJURE THEM OR OTHERS.

In this step, the member is asked to carry out the intention of the preceding step to the
best of his or her ability. By making amends, members free themselves of the burden of
wrongdoings. In this way the negative behavior of the past is transformed into the
potential for acting positively in the future.

There are different ways of making amends. Some may be financial while others may be
of a more complex and personal nature. Similarly, some amends may be made
immediately, while others may take a number of years. There are also cases where no
amends can be made because to do so would be harmful to another person. Sometimes
amends cannot be made because of the inability to communicate with the aggrieved
person. Where amends cannot be made directly, an alternate method of restitution
maybe called for, such as an act of kindness or service to Gamblers Anonymous.

Common sense, the knowledge of when to act, and courage are essential for the
successful execution of Step 9. In any case, amends should be forthright and honest, no
matter what the conditions surrounding them. A member should not avoid making
amends by rationalizing that an amend will injure someone else if that decision is made to
spare his or her own feelings.